The kickoff to the 2013 "It's A White County Christmas" celebration was held Friday, Nov. 22 at Veteran's Memorial Park. Ray Mitchell, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, opened up the program followed by Mayor Jeff Pollard, who provided a welcome to those in attendance. Pollard shared several memories of the holiday seasons growing up in Carmi before turning it back over to Mitchell for the evening's entertainment.

Luke Raczykowski, pastor at First Baptist Church, provided an acoustic guitar version of "Silent Night." Mitchell then read "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," a popular holiday story that confirms the presence of Santa Claus.

Kelsi Kessler sang four songs perfect for the holiday season, including her rendition of "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree." She was followed by Toby Brown who provided the reading of "The Night Before Christmas." Brown was followed by Rachael and Riley Peyton of Enfield, who performed four songs, including a medley of Christmas tunes that led into the final portion of the program.

Mitchell introduced the three winners of the Christmas Pageant held Saturday, Nov. 16 at Carmi-White County High School's auditorium. Caroline Campbell, 2013 Miss Merry Christmas, Lauren Campbell, 2013 Junior Miss Merry Christmas, and Mikaela Goodwin, 2013 Little Miss Merry Christmas, were on hand to provide assistance with the official lighting of the tall pine tree in Veteran's Memorial Park. The trio of girls flipped the switch to light the tree and signify the beginning of the Christmas festival in White County.

Prior to the event at Veteran's Memorial Park, White County Home Community and Education (HCE) provided a wide variety of chocolates in the chocolate tasting event held in the basement of the Farm Bureau Building. Guests paid $5 and sampled all types of homemade goods, from fudge to brownies to toffee, all including chocolate as the main ingredients. Members of the various clubs around White County were on hand to assist with the event.

Two stores in downtown Carmi kept later hours Friday for the kickoff of "It's A White County Christmas" with The Courtyard and Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique open through the ceremony. The Holiday Stroll continues through the end of the month with all seven stores participating in the event holding a collective drawing for $750 worth of merchandise from the participating stores. One may register at Merle Norman Cosmetics and Boutique, The Courtyard, HD Bean Jewelers, Logo Graphics, Stein's Flowers and Gifts, Rush Appliances and The Yellow Rose. Each individual location has in-store specials as well.

For more information on "It's A White County Christmas," go to the official Website at whitecochristmas.com.